A Community Message From Still-Shuttered Hagaman Memorial Library

A message from Hagaman Memorial Library to the community:

To Our Library Family,

As you know, it has been four weeks since a flood forced the temporary closure of Hagaman Library. During this time, we have determined that the leak was caused by an outside vendor. We are currently working closely with town administration to ensure that all necessary repairs are completed as efficiently and effectively as possible. The town’s insurance provider is in the process of evaluating the situation to provide a full estimate and a timeline for repairs. Once that estimate is finalized, we will move forward with repairs—and in some instances, improvements—to return the library to full service. While an emergency closure is never ideal, we are confident that the improvements resulting from this process will benefit the community for many years to come.

On behalf of the Hagaman Library team, I want to extend our sincere thanks for your patience and ongoing support. We understand how much the library means to you because it is our library, too. Hagaman Library is more than a building; it is a community hub where we come together to connect, learn, and grow. We are committed to reopening as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so. Our top priority remains the safety of our patrons and staff, followed closely by our commitment to ensuring that the work is done right.

While the building remains closed to the public, our dedicated staff continues to work behind the scenes to offer a range of programs and services. Please see below for a list of currently available services, and check back regularly for updates as new services become available. Thank you again for being a vital part of our library family.

Services Available Now:

Programming: events are being moved to a variety of locations around town and online. We are also building new partnerships and finding new ways to serve the community. Please check our Library Calendar to view programs that have been moved to new locations around town or rescheduled as virtual events. Thank you to our community partners for their continued assistance in providing programs. It means so much to see local organizations coming together during this difficult time, to support our community in new ways! hagamanlibrary.org/calendar

Access to Ebooks, Audiobooks & Streaming Movies: We are also working to increase your access to digital services. We have temporarily expanded access to Hoopla Digital, now with 8 free borrows per month for anyone with a valid Hagaman Library Card. We also have other options available, which you can explore here: https://hagamanlibrary.org/ebooksandaudio/

Access to Print Books: Your East Haven Library Card can be used at any library in Connecticut! To make sure all patrons maintain access, we have extended renewal dates on books and expiration dates on library cards. If you have any questions on this, please reach out to the library director by email at smallory@biblio.org

Access to New Library Cards: We are excited to announce that beginning immediately, East Haven residents can visit the James Blackstone Library at 758 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 to pick up a Hagaman Library Card. Thank you to Blackstone Library by helping to support our community. All you need to bring with you to obtain a library card is a photo ID and two pieces of mail with your East Haven address. Blackstone staff will provide you with a copy of your new card and Hagaman staff will enter your information in our computer system. Alternatively, East Haven residents can request a card online by visiting: https://hagaman.biblio.org/eg/opac/register Our staff will create a card and send it to you by mail.

Ask A Librarian: Our phones are unmanned while staff is not in the building. However, if you have reference questions, genealogy questions, or need other support, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email. Our staff are available by email and would be happy to assist: https://hagamanlibrary.org/staff-contacts/

Updates Coming Soon: Please continue to check our website and Facebook page for ongoing updates. Additional outreach events where you can connect with library staff, make appointments for tech help, and schedule Notary services are coming soon!

Thank you again for your continued support. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Sarah Mallory